A military-style officer is scaling mountains to celebrate four decades of dedication to a charitable cause.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Roberts, who leads Salvation Army activities throughout Wales, is joining the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge scheduled for May 16 to observe his 40th year with the charity.

The sponsored ascent will generate funds for the Salvation Army’s social and community projects in Wales alongside the Alzheimer’s Society.

Colonel Roberts explained that he sought to accomplish something significant. The climb goes upward, then downward, but the trajectory always aims toward the summit. That mirrors exactly how his 40 years of religious service have progressed, with continuous forward movement despite obstacles.

He will reach the peaks of Yr Wyddfa, Cadair Idris and Pen y Fan inside a single day – covering approximately 17 miles, more than 2,300 metres of height gain, and 150 miles of travel by vehicle connecting northern and southern Wales.

He will tackle the challenge accompanied by a professional guide group to ensure support and safety.

Colonel Roberts has been getting ready for the climb through mountain training outings and a trial ascent of Pen y Fan.

Half of all money raised will go toward the Salvation Army’s work throughout Wales, including services for people without homes, food bank schemes and community assistance.

The remainder will be given to the Alzheimer’s Society in honour of his father, who lived with dementia.